Former Kingston man gets prison for gambling operation

CONCORD - A former Kingston resident will spend the next two years in federal prison for his role in an illegal computer-based gambling operation that generated $188,000 in profits over 12 weeks, federal prosecutors said.

John Giannelli Sr., 66, who currently lives in Danvers, Mass., was a sentenced to prison Thursday in U.S. District Court.

In September, he pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business, one count of money laundering and five counts of impeding the administration of IRS laws, prosecutors said.

In a statement issued Thursday, prosecutors said Giannelli controlled access to a gambling site through user IDs and passwords. Some 300 customers made sports-related wagers while Giannelli monitored the overall betting activity.

Computers were seized at his home last March and a forensic analysis determined the operation generated $188,000 in gross profits.

Prosecutors also said Giannelli laundered his earnings by providing cash to one of his betting customers, who listed Giannelli on his payroll. The business issued paychecks to Giannelli, making it appear that he earned the money.

Just five weeks into her new job as the chief executive of the state's largest private employer, Dr. Joanne Conroy faced a chilling crisis.

Ever since plans to bring a live music venue to the former home of the old Rex Theatre on Amherst Street were abandoned last February, the city has been looking for another buyer to breathe new life...